Corydoras CW-009

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Introduction

Corydoras CW-009, also called Green Laser, is a small South American catfish valued for its metallic green sheen and peaceful behavior. Sold under the aquarium code CW-009, it remains a highly sought-after form among Corydoras keepers. This schooling bottom dweller spends much of its time exploring the substrate with its barbels. It comes from the Rio Ucayali in Peru and is suited to calm, mature, carefully maintained community aquariums. The specimens offered are wild collected and are available exclusively from Ton.Fish in Canada.

General species description

Corydoras CW-009 is a small Corydoras sold under an aquarium trade designation rather than a scientific species name. The CW-009 code identifies this form within the aquarium hobby, while Green Laser refers to its most distinctive visual feature. It is a peaceful schooling bottom fish that should be kept in groups of at least six, preferably more. It benefits from a well-oxygenated aquarium with smooth fine sand and quiet areas for foraging. Its rarity is high: this is a very rare fish of particular interest to specialized aquarists.

Geographical origin and biotope

Corydoras CW-009 comes from Peru, in the basin of the Rio Ucayali. Its natural environment includes tropical forest streams and marginal areas where the water is soft, warm and generally acidic to slightly acidic. The bottom consists of sand, silt and plant debris, with leaf litter and submerged roots. In an aquarium, stable, clean and well-oxygenated water better matches its needs than a strongly turbulent layout. Gentle to moderate flow and subdued lighting encourage its natural exploratory behavior.

Precise location and local name

The geographic reference provided for this form is the Rio Ucayali in Peru. The name used in the aquarium trade is Green Laser, also associated with the CW-009 code. Fishers or local communities may use different vernacular names depending on the area, but Green Laser remains the most practical name for identifying this fish in the specialist trade. Its limited aquarium availability and wild collection explain its status as a very rare fish among retailers.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Corydoras CW-009 has the typical Corydoras shape: a stocky body, rounded belly, downward-facing mouth and three pairs of barbels around the mouth. Its most striking feature is a metallic green line that reflects light along the back and flanks. The body is generally dark to grayish, with translucent fins and bony lateral plates. As in other Corydoras, the pectoral and dorsal fins have stiff rays that can lock into position. Handle it with a soft net and avoid abrasive substrates to protect its delicate barbels.

General diet

Corydoras CW-009 is a benthic omnivore that searches for small organisms, larvae, worms, crustaceans and organic matter within the substrate. In aquariums, it readily accepts quality sinking wafers, bottom-feeder pellets and frozen foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp. Offering varied food when other fish are less active helps ensure that every individual eats properly. It should not be treated as a simple cleaner fish: leftover food must be removed, and the group must receive a complete ration.

Essential data

• River of origin: Rio Ucayali
• Local name used: Green Laser
• Origin of the scientific name: CW-009 is an aquarium identification code; no species-level scientific name is used here.
• Etymology of the full name: Corydoras means skin helmet; CW is a collection or trade reference; 009 is the number assigned to this form; Green Laser refers to its reflective green stripe.
• Common and vernacular names: Green Laser, Corydoras CW-009
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Subfamily: Corydoradinae
• Name pronunciation: cor-ee-DORE-us see double-you zero zero nine
• Discovery: The discovery reference is not associated with a person’s name in the supplied data.
• Maximum adult size: About 5 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 22 to 26 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: Soft tropical-forest water, sandy or silty bottom, leaf litter, roots and dense bank vegetation
• Typical tankmates: Hoplisoma panda, Paracheirodon axelrodi, Hyphessobrycon amandae
• Temperament and behavior: Very peaceful, schooling, active on the bottom and occasionally able to take short surface breaths
• Water depth: Shallow to medium-depth stream areas and marginal zones
• Sexual dimorphism: Adult females are generally broader and more rounded than males
• Bottom structure and flow: Fine sand, plant debris and roots; low to moderate current

In your aquarium

Success with Corydoras CW-009 depends on a sufficiently large group, a fine sand substrate and stable water. Keep it in a mature, well-filtered and well-oxygenated aquarium, away from boisterous tankmates and predators. Feed varied sinking foods and monitor water quality regularly. Because it is a very rare, wild-collected fish, gradual acclimation and consistent care are especially important. This offer is exclusive to Ton.Fish in Canada.